Movable Overlay Component for Expandable Input Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional laptop layouts are limited in surface area and do not effectively utilize advanced technologies such as foldable electronics and electronic paper displays, restricting user interaction and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A compute device with an overlay component that can unfold to cover part of the keyboard, featuring a touch sensor and optionally an electronic display, allowing seamless transition between input surfaces and display usage, and being electrically switchable for opacity control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If traditional laptop layout is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but surface area and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into multiple independent display sections (first display section and second display section) that can be positioned in different configurations. The overlay component is also segmented into multiple sections that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the device to expand its effective display and input surface area while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlay component introduces a new dimensional aspect to the device by adding a movable layer that can be positioned over different areas. This third dimension (the movable overlay layer) enables additional input surfaces and display configurations without significantly increasing the device's footprint or base complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If overlay component is added to enhance functionality, then user interaction capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overlay component is designed to serve multiple functions: it can act as an additional input surface, a display surface, or be positioned in various locations (over the keyboard, over the first display section, or in intermediate positions). This multi-functionality enhances user interaction capabilities while avoiding the need for multiple separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlay component is made movable between different positions, allowing it to dynamically adapt to different usage scenarios. This dynamic positioning capability enables versatile user interaction (different input and display configurations) while using a single movable component rather than multiple fixed components, thus managing device complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If electronic paper display or OLED display is integrated into overlay component, then display capabilities are enhanced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overlay component can be equipped with display technology (electronic paper display or OLED) only in specific sections rather than the entire component. This allows display capabilities to be enhanced where needed while minimizing the total power consumption by limiting the active display area to only the portions that require enhanced display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies using electronic paper display or OLED technology, which are known for lower power consumption compared to traditional LCD displays. Electronic paper displays consume power only when updating content, and OLEDs can be made very energy-efficient. This parameter change in display technology achieves enhanced display capabilities while controlling power consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances user interaction by providing additional input surfaces and display capabilities, while maintaining a seamless user experience through magnetic hinges and touch sensing technology, allowing for versatile configurations and efficient power management.
Implementation Method 1
In some embodiments, the compute device may include a magnetic hinge that may allow the overlay component to be folded or unfolded with a smooth transition
Implementation Method 2
Circuitry may be included to sense touches on the overlay component, such as by a stylus or by a finger of a user
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for overlay surfaces for compute devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, an overlay surface on a base portion of a compute device can be moved from a folded or closed position (in which it does not cover the keyboard) to an unfolded or open position (in which it covers part of the keyboard). The base portion includes a touch sensor that allows the overlay surface to be used as a touch surface. In another embodiment, an overlay surface of a compute device is movable from one position adjacent a display of the compute device to another position adjacent a base of the compute device. The overlay surface is electrically switchable from a transparent state to an opaque state, allowing the display to be seen through it in one position and allowing it to be used as an opaque drawing surface in another position.